The 3 Closest Airports to the gorge in washington

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The 3 Closest Airports to the Gorge in Washington

The Gorge Amphitheatre, renowned for its stunning views and world-class concerts, is located in a relatively remote part of Central Washington. Choosing the right airport depends on balancing driving distance, flight availability, cost, and rental car options. Here’s a look at the three geographically closest airports with commercial passenger service.

1. Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT)

Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee is the closest commercial airport to The Gorge Amphitheatre. While convenient distance-wise, it’s a small regional airport with limited flight options. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the closest major airport, although significantly further away.

  • Distance to The Gorge: Approximately 45 miles (around 50-60 minutes drive)

  • Address: 1 Pangborn Dr, East Wenatchee, WA 98802

  • Pros: Closest proximity, potentially less traffic getting out of the airport area.

  • Cons: Very limited flight options and destinations, potentially higher flight costs, fewer rental car choices.

  • Airlines: Primarily served by Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air).

  • Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise.

  • Official Website: flywenatchee.com

  • Phone: (509) 884-2494

  • Rating: Generally around 4.0-4.5 stars (varies by source)

2. Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)

Located in Pasco, the Tri-Cities Airport is the next closest option and offers more flight choices than Wenatchee, serving a larger regional population. It’s a manageable drive to The Gorge. The closest major airports remain Seattle (SEA) and Spokane (GEG).

  • Distance to The Gorge: Approximately 75 miles (around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes drive)

  • Address: 3601 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

  • Pros: More flight options and airlines than EAT, generally good rental car availability, relatively easy drive.

  • Cons: Still a regional airport with fewer direct flights than major hubs, further drive than EAT.

  • Airlines: Alaska, Delta, United, Allegiant, Avelo (Airlines subject to change).

  • Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National/Alamo.

  • Official Website: flytricities.com

  • Phone: (509) 547-6352

  • Rating: Generally around 4.2-4.6 stars (varies by source)

3. Yakima Air Terminal / McAllister Field (YKM)

Yakima’s airport is another small regional option, roughly comparable in distance to Pasco, but typically with even fewer flight options. Like Wenatchee, its primary advantage is avoiding the much longer drive from the major hubs like Seattle (SEA) or Spokane (GEG).

  • Distance to The Gorge: Approximately 85 miles (around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes drive)

  • Address: 2406 W Washington Ave, Yakima, WA 98903

  • Pros: Closer than major airports like SEA or GEG.

  • Cons: Very limited commercial service (often just Alaska to Seattle), fewer amenities and rental options.

  • Airlines: Primarily served by Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air).

  • Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise (Check availability).

  • Official Website: flyykm.com

  • Phone: (509) 575-6149

  • Rating: Generally around 3.8-4.3 stars (varies by source)

Conclusion:

The closest airport to The Gorge Amphitheatre is Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee. However, the closest major airport, offering significantly more flight options and carriers, is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located approximately 150 miles west (roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, traffic dependent). Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a similar distance to the east and serves as another major airport alternative. Many travelers opt for SEA or GEG despite the longer drive due to better flight availability and pricing.

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